Jonnu Smith didn’t work out with the New England Patriots, but he enjoyed his best season in 2024 with their Miami Dolphins rival.
But with the tight end wanting a new contract, the Dolphins might look to trade him this summer.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Miami has had trade discussions with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The talks came after Smith expressed interest in reworking his deal that’ set to pay him $4.8 million in 2025.
While Smith, according to Schefter, prefers to rework his deal and stay with the Dolphins, it’s unclear how far apart both sides are.
The Steelers do have some connection to Smith, though. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was Smith’s tight ends coach/OC while the two were with the Tennessee Titans from 2017-20. The two reunited with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023 when Smith was the coach.
Smith signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots in 2021 and his time with the organization was underwhelming. The tight end amassed just 55 catches for 539 receiving yards and one touchdown. He never quite found his groove in New England, but a fresh start after a trade to Atlanta in March 2023 appeared to be exactly what he needed.
He had a productive season for the Falcons, playing in 17 games with 50 receptions, three touchdowns and 582 yards.
That momentum carried over to the Dolphins, as Smith set a new franchise record for a tight end in receptions (88), receiving yards (884) and touchdowns (8).